Jeanne Socrates’ solo sail attempt supported by ACR Electronics

British Yachtswoman Jeanne Socrates, who will launch her third attempt to become the first woman to sail non-stop solo around the world from North America in a monohull in October 2012, has welcomed aboard ACR Electronics, the world’s leader in safety and survival technologies.

Following two previous unsuccessful attempts, including a knockdown about 200 miles west of Cape Horn last January, 67-year old Socrates’ plans for a third around the world attempt will be launched from Victoria, British Columbia in October for a planned seven to eight month journey.

Socrates will be at the International Safety Products (ISP) Booth #B305 at 1 p.m. on January 6th during the London International Boat Show to pick up safety gear from US-based ACR Electronics, which will include ACR’s new ResQLink™+ Personal Locator Beacon (making its European debut at the show) and a RapidDitch Bag.

The waterproof ResQLink™+ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where the sender is, but who they are. The onboard 66 channel GPS can quickly fix the sender’s position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay the distress call to orbiting satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to the sender’s exact position.

A PLB is a satellite-signalling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted and where the situation is deemed to be grave and imminent, and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. All beacons must be registered. There are no monthly service fees required for 406 MHz beacons.

In 2011, ACR also lent its support and PLB equipment to two RAF polar explorers— RAF Wing Commander Matt Stowers and Squadron Leader Jules Weekes –who led The RAF Northern Exposure Expedition—a 416 nautical mile, unsupported trek across the ice pack to the Geographic North Pole. The aim of the RAF Expedition was to reach the Pole in less than 38 days – the time that Robert E. Peary took, in 1909, to reach the Pole with dogs.

Socrates will begin her epic solo, non-stop journey aboard her Najad 380, Nereida in October 2012. If successful, she will be setting a world record as the oldest woman to sail solo nonstop (via Cape Horn) around the world. Validating her attempt will be the World Speed Sailing Record Council (WSSRC).